HAUTE OFF THE GRILLE | Javier’s Cantina & Grill in Crystal Cove – A Culinary Exploration to Mexico by Melissa Sherman Pearl

So there we were, relaxing on the main patio with margaritas in hand and ocean breezes ruffling our hair. The warm crunchy tortilla chips partnering with fresh guacamole and roasted salsa lent themselves perfectly to Kat and me chatting it up like a couple of college chicks whose IDs were no longer a lie. But how would we make it to pick up our kids by 3 if we’re all the way in Mexico? Oh, that’s right, we’re simply enjoying an afternoon lunch at Javier’s in Crystal Cove, Newport Coast. Pomegranate Margarita for me, Tamarind Margarita for Kat (really, only one for each of us – it was lunch time, ya know), and so the fresh, fanciful feast began. We started with a halibut and octopus ceviche, so light and flavorful, citrusy and dusted with finely cut cucumber, onions, cilantro. Yum. As for main dishes, Kat can afford the calories so she ordered Carne Tampiquena – a combination of grilled aged USDA Prime center cut 6 oz. New York steak topped with strips of chiles and onions … Continue Reading

CULINARY EXPLORATION | Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen – All the Rum without All Those Pesky Pirates by Melissa Sherman Pearl

There’s a reason why Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen in Laguna Beach  has been one of my favorite restaurants for many, many moons. As Eva warmly welcomes you into in her colorful kitchen, your senses are instantly enraptured by the vast array of delicious spicy, sweet scents, vibrant colors, and jubilant music. But as the libations and apps are served, all of the aforementioned simply becomes fluff because the mouth just gets so darned happy.

On this rare girls’ night out, my friends and I started out with Brown Suga (12 year old rum, sweet & sour, squeeze of lime), Pomegranate Martini, a traditional rum-infused Cuban Mojito, and a glass of Estancia Pinot Noir which we knocked back with the savory Aubergine Choka, a Trinidadian dish featuring flame roasted garlic-stuffed eggplant stuffed sautéed with shallots, chilies, onions and seasonings, and served with toasted pita. Such a treat, this dish, and not a whole lot of guilt to accompany it.

Daryl said her Cornmeal Louisiana Catfish fillet seasoned with garlic, shallots, thyme, scallions, chilies, Bacardi Limon … Continue Reading

CULINARY EXPLORATION | Tommy Bahama’s Island Grille – My Senses went on Vacation and I didn’t have to go through TSA to get there by Melissa Sherman Pearl

Did you know that there’s a restaurant inside the Tommy Bahama store in Newport? And not just some namby pamby little eatery, but a true, bona fide Island Grille complete with a native Hawaiian Executive Chef Jacquelyn Nabong who spent many years with Roy’s both back home and on the mainland?

The amazing fusion of flavors, signature Mai Tais and Mojitos crafted by a bartender who knows how to pour drinks, and live music (six nights a week) are further enhanced by a setting rich in sultry, dark woods and classic, tropical components. Plump, tender, crunchy Coconut Shrimp paired with a tangy papaya mango chutney and a beautiful Halibut Ceviche featuring the distinct citrus flavor of seasonal Asian yuzu accompanied by ample crispy triangular wontons kicked off the evening’s food frenzy. Fresh, inviting, sweet, and savory. And oh so tasty. … Continue Reading

HAUTE OFF THE GRILLE | Two Guys Grilling Trailblaze at Wide Open Adventures

HAUTEOC TRAVELERS Renown Barbecue Orange County certified pit masters David Biber and Michael Swan of Two Guys Grilling are smoking coast to coast as they travel extensively throughout the U.S. from Orange County to Washington D.C.  These barbecue industry trailblazers are creating what is known  as the California Q“  barbecue  that is natural, using  lots of organic foods that are body friendly with high protein  and low fat cuisine & vittles. Their meals include lots of grilled fruits and vegetables, with low to no added sodium. And their special delicious creations are diet friendly. They include vegetarian, vegan, no gluten, and diabetic. Two Guys Grilling have been showcasing their “California Q” since 2002,  featuring foods from traditional southeastern barbecue the Carolinas, Tennessee to International influences including Caribbean, Australian, Mongolian, India Pakistan, African, Mongolian to the Pacific Rim.

These guys have also been satisfying the palets of guests booking tours through Orange County-based Excursion Company Wide Open Adventures. The tours enable travelers to enjoy a unique and adrenaline filled adventure in the Baja Peninsula. Guests have the opportunity to drive high performing off-road vehicles through the unspoiled beauty of the Baja Peninsula. As guests  relax at the Horsepower Ranch, which is 140 acre Baja Home, located East of the Seaport town of Ensenada, they may feast on dishes prepared by Two Guys Grilling. The guys have created their own signature spice called “All Spice Cafe,” which is a Caribbean spice of delicious and spicy blend of allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, garlic and onion.  Celebrities who have booked tours through Wide Open Adventures and have enjoyed Two Guys Grilling cuisine include Sandra Bullock, Mario Andretti,  and Patrick Dempsey.